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Linlithgow Palace considered for re-roofing

Historic Scotland has revealed it is considering re-roofing Linlithgow Palace, the birthplace of Mary Queen of Scots and one of the country's most famous ruins.

The palace was built in the 15th century as a lavish country home for the Scottish monarchy, but it was destroyed when it was set on fire by government troops after the 1745 Jacobite rebellion and has lain unrestored ever since.

But the success of global fashion house Chanel's Métiers d'Arts fashion show at the palace in December, during which a temporary glass roof was installed on part of the 600 year old building, has persuaded the agency that the atmospheric
palace could host other big events if the elements could be kept out.

Both Edinburgh and Stirling castles have become sought after, money-spinning venues for corporate and other entertaining after expensive refurbishments in recent years.

Robert Eckhart, Historic Scotland's business support manager, said a working group chaired by culture minister Fiona Hyslop has already been set up to consider "opportunities and develop a strategy which will unlock the potential of both the
town and the palace". Options being considered include "re-roofing the palace".

A spokesperson added: "The Métiers d'Arts showcased Linlithgow Palace and the town to a global audience. Following on from this hugely successful event we, along with a range of organisations, have begun to assess the wider long-term
strategy for Linlithgow and the palace. This will involve exploring numerous options, their viability and the possible economic, social and cultural benefits they could create."

The agency last looked at the issue in 1996 when it commissioned a study to examine putting a roof on the palace, but the plan was rejected over concerns that re-roofing could damage the original structure and the potential loss of cultural
significance.

However, the potential income - in the town of ex-First Minister Alex Salmond's birth - as an events venue could outweigh cultural concerns over restoring a romantic ruin.

The fact is that for buildings to be truly useful and economically sustainable they should be kept in use

Neil Baxter, secretary of the Royal Incorporation of Architects in Scotland (RIAS), welcomed the move. "There is no question that Scotland has a good number of romantic ruins that would more than satisfy any poet," he said. "The fact is that for
buildings to be truly useful and economically sustainable they should be kept in use.

"Clearly the original usage of Linlithgow Palace is no longer relevant. However, its more recent usage for events and the potential of a future where it can play a viable part in the local community and in drawing in tourists from much further afield
would be very positive. Historic Scotland has a duty to ensure that the very best of Scotland's heritage is retained and preserved and survives to tell its story, and Scotland's story, for future generations. However, undertaking work which respects
the original fabric yet increases the viability and usability of any building has to be a good thing."

Architect Ben Tindall, of Benjamin Tindall Architects, which has worked on conservation projects across Scotland including Ayrshire's Culzean Castle, Melgund Castle in Angus and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, said: "If the matter is done with
greater sensitivity than has been realised in other recent projects, and with great scholarship, then the unfortunate fire which destroyed this wonderful palace might indeed be put right.

"There is a danger, however, that a lot of architects might see this as an opportunity to impose some fashionable solution, which would be regretted."

The Chanel Métiers d'Arts show at the palace brought a host of fashionistas to the West Lothian town. During a four-hour show and meal, Karl Lagerfeld, the eccentric designer at the head of the fashion house, showcased a Scottish-inspired
collection and said he had chosen the location for "the rough romance of this beautiful place".

A temporary glass cube created a roof to keep out the elements during the show. Stella Tennant and Cara Delevingne were among the supermodels who hit the protected catwalk.

However, by the late 16th century the palace was beginning to deteriorate and it fell into disrepair. Its swan song came in September 1745 when Bonnie Prince Charlie visited Linlithgow on his march south and, it is said, its fountain was made to
flow with wine in his honour. The following year, government troops in pursuit of Jacobites set it on fire.

The remaining roofless structure, now managed by Historic Scotland, has been actively conserved since the early 19th century and is open to paying visitors as a ruin.

SCA Footnote

The palace was converted into a fort by Cromwell in 1650 and from then on decline set in. By 1668 it was recorded 'the Palace, which has been very magnificent is now for the most part ruinous.'

Its nemesis came on the 1st of February 1746 when it was burned through the 'carelessness' of the soldiers of the Duke of Cumberland.

The official story is that the soldiers' straw bedding had caught light when they failed to extinguish their fires breaking camp. There is another story, however.

Linlithgow Palace with bullet holes in the wall

Linlithgow was looked upon as a nest of rebels. Prince Charles had been entertained there on his march to Edinburgh when the fountain ran with wine. This had not been forgotten. A fortnight before General Hawley had been defeated at the
Battle of Falkirk. Cumberland was in bad humour as he pursued the Jacobite army. Bivouacked at the palace his soldiers vandalised the fountain (from which had been drunk the Prince's health) and generally made free with their surroundings. Bullet
holes on the interior walls perhaps mark this lack of respect.

One thing is beyond dispute - when Cumberland's army marched to Falkirk next morning they left the palace on fire and no attempt was made to put it out. The townsfolk sallied forth from their homes to rescue what they could. Linlithgow
Palace has remained a roofless ruin until the present day.